Good clear over cheap epoxy? (also quickie about colour chips!)

[JohnnyK81]

Hey guys, had a thought, and am mainly just curious.

What would happen if you were to use a decent poly (or something) clear overtop of a cheap 'box store' epoxy kit?

Let's assume it's a solvent based epoxy? I would think that would work fine? (I'm not running out and doing it, mainly I'm still shopping and had a thought. hah)

Waterbourne: I assume it would lift, but what about after it's cured. No water should remain, it should be 100% cured epoxy, so would that not work as well?


Secondly, reading some of these instruction sheets, most just say sprinkle the colour chips after the coating is complete. (I know some say add colour chips, then add a top coat), but since a lot of instructions don't call for the top coat, wouldn't the colour chips stand proud?? Or do they kind of 'melt' in? I would not assume the floor coating would be thick enough for that to happen?

Thanks again for your patience guys!

 

[Shea]

I answered your questions in blue. I hope it helps!

What would happen if you were to use a decent poly (or something) clear overtop of a cheap 'box store' epoxy kit?

You would get much better scratch resistance, chemical resistance, and longer wear at the surface. How well the entire coating stays adhered and stands up to impact is questionable and is dependent on the product used. It's not a low cost answer to a commercial quality floor, however.

Let's assume it's a solvent based epoxy? I would think that would work fine? (I'm not running out and doing it, mainly I'm still shopping and had a thought. hah)

Solvent based epoxy (Rust-Oleum Professional, for example)
is much better than its water based brother. It's more durable, it adheres to concrete better, and it goes down slightly thicker. It also has less chance of hot tire pick up

Waterbourne: I assume it would lift, but what about after it's cured. No water should remain, it should be 100% cured epoxy, so would that not work as well?

A high performance clear can be applied to a water based epoxy (most cases) if that is what you asking. Most are solvent based. Though not a high performance clear coat, Rust-Oleum's clear epoxy is solvent based and is used on the water based product on a regular basis. You still have a much higher chance of hot tire pick up regardless.

Secondly, reading some of these instruction sheets, most just say sprinkle the colour chips after the coating is complete. (I know some say add colour chips, then add a top coat), but since a lot of instructions don't call for the top coat, wouldn't the colour chips stand proud?? Or do they kind of 'melt' in? I would not assume the floor coating would be thick enough for that to happen?

Yes, the color flakes can stand proud. It depends on how soon they are applied (sooner is better) and how thick the coating is. It's entirely expected to loose some chips during normal wear if no clear coat is added. They also tend to collect dirt easier.

Thanks again for your patience guys!

 

[Armorpoxy]

Shea right on but can't stress enough that a non topcoated fleck floor would have millions of dirt collecting edges.

We have had thousands of clients use our high performance topcoats over low grade home center epoxy with excellent results and no adhesion issues. Lightly prep, clean and apply.